Cradle apparatus and method for rotating and linearly displacing an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A case construction encases an electronic device and enables a user to rotatably and linearly displace the electronic device relative to a select surface of the case construction. The case construction includes a case with a cradle-receiving surface, a cradle sized and shaped to removably receive an electronic device, and a device-to-surface anchor assembly. The cradle includes a centralized region having an oblong aperture. The oblong aperture defines a cradle displacement zone segment. The device-to-surface anchor assembly secures the cradle device to the cradle-receiving surface and is cooperable with the oblong aperture for enabling a user to linearly and rotatably displace the centralized region along the cradle displacement zone segment. Certain methodology for displacing an electronic device relative to select surfacing so as to position the electronic device in a select orientation relative to the select surfacing is further provided.

PRIOR HISTORY

This application is a Continuation-in-Part type patent applicationclaiming the benefit of pending International Patent Application No.PCT/US2012/000204, filed in the United States Patent and TrademarkOffice (USPTO) as the International Receiving Office on 16 Apr. 2012;pending International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/000229, filed inthe USPTO on 1 May 2012; and is related to U.S. Design patentapplication No. 29/464,386, filed in the USPTO on 15 Aug. 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosed invention generally relates to a case-like constructionfor receiving and positioning an electronic device such as a laptop typecomputer or tablet. More particularly, the disclosed invention providesa case-based apparatus for enabling a user to selectively rotate and/orlinearly displace an attached electronic device relative to a fixedbasal structure defined by a case-like construction.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Case constructions for use in combination with electronic devices suchas tablet type computers and the like are well known in this field ofart. While the basic function of a basic case construction is to protectand/or enclose the device it encases, the art continues to develop withan eye toward enhancing functionality of the case constructions so as toprovide the user with various means of manipulating and/orre-positioning the devices.

For example, it may be desirable to rotate and/or linearly displace theelectronic device for different views or positions, while generallysupporting the device within or as attached to the basal caseconstruction. When the tablet computer or similar device is supported inits carrying case during use thereof, the multi-function use of the caseprovides great advantages for utility thereof, while keeping a structurefor the improved use to a minimum.

It is further noted that tablet type computers and the like aremanufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes. Accordingly, it isbeneficial for a computer mounting device to adjust to the size and/orcontours of the respective device(s), while still providing the desiredholding and re-positioning capabilities. A few of the more pertinentprior art patent-related disclosures relating to cradle-like devices forholding and enabling the re-positioning of the devices they hold aredescribed hereinafter.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0187696 ('696Publication), authored by Lanni, discloses a Cradle for Receiving anAdapter. The '696 Publication describes a cradle casing having a DC/DCadapter to receive DC power from a DC power source and generate a firstDC power signal. A sleeve accepts an AC/DC adapter, and guides movementof the AC/DC adapter when the AC/DC adapter is inserted into the cradlecasing. The AC/DC adapter is capable of receiving AC power from an ACpower source and generating a second DC power signal. A circuit receivesat least one of the first DC power signal and the second DC power signaland outputs a third DC power signal.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0002369 ('369Publication), authored by Carnevali, discloses a Portable Device DockingStation. The '369 Publication describes an external expanding apparatusor “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a typehaving a display unit having a display screen on an inner surfacethereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotallymounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holesadjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surfacethereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back planethereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sidesthereof.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0261509 ('509Publication), authored by Xu et al., discloses a Docking Cradle withFloating Connector Assembly. The '509 Publication describes a dockingcradle for a portable electronic device that includes a floatingconnector assembly. The floating connector assembly isolates a portableelectronic device connected to the connector assembly from at least someof the shock, vibration or other motion imposed on the rest of thedocking cradle.

The connector assembly is positioned above a base frame and comprises aplatform, a device interface on the platform, a device securingmechanism connected to the platform and connectable to the portableelectronic device to physically secure the portable electronic device tothe connector assembly; and at least one connector assembly springconnecting the connector assembly to the base frame such that theconnector assembly is movable laterally relative to the base frame.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0075789 ('789Publication), authored by DeCamp et al., discloses a Swiveling Base fora Portable Computing Device. The '789 Publication describes certainswiveling bases for portable computing devices. A swiveling baseaccording to the '789 Publication includes a base member and a rotatablemember. The base member can be placed on a flat surface and rotatablysupports the rotatable member. The rotatable member releasably securesthe portable computing device and can rotate relative to the base memberto reorient a display of the portable computing device.

The swiveling bases may further include a control component disposed onthe base member. The control component is disposed on the base memberand facilitates user interaction with a computing application beingexecuted on the portable computing device. The control component may be,for example, a button, a joystick, a D-pad, a tactile sensor pad, atouch-sensitive D-pad, a spherical trackball, a slider, or a slidingdisk.

From a review of the foregoing citations in particular, and from aconsideration of the prior art in general, it will be seen that theprior art thus perceives a need for a cradle apparatus usable incombination with a case or cover construction for enabling a user toremovably receive an electronic device as exemplified by a tablet typecomputer and rotatably and linearly displace the cradle apparatusrelative to select surfacing of the case or cover construction to whichthe cradle apparatus is attached as summarized in more detailhereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of amechanism for a computer or similar device, which cooperates with acarrying case for the computer or similar device. A further objective ofthis invention is the provision of a mechanism for a computer or similardevice, which facilitates rotation and linear movement of the computeror similar device relative to surfacing of the case or coverconstruction to which the mechanism is attached. Yet a further objectiveof this invention is the provision of a mechanism for a computer orsimilar device, which facilitates mounting of the computer or similardevice to the case.

These and other readily identifiable objectives of the invention (whichother objectives become clear by consideration of the specification,claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a cradle apparatusfor a computer or similar device which cooperates with a case for thecomputer or similar device and allows the computer or similar device tobe placed in a variety of positions relative to the case.

To achieve these and other readily identifiable objectives, the presentinvention contemplates a case or cover construction having a cradlemechanism cooperatively associated therewith. The case or coverconstruction is designed to encase an electronic device such as a tabletcomputer as received and cradled by the cradle mechanism. The cradlemechanism enables the user to rotate and linearly displace the cradledelectronic device relative to certain surfacing of the case or coverconstruction.

Electronic devices such as tablet computers very often comprise featuresthat require the user to position the electronic device, which featuresmay be obscured by the case or cover construction in which they arehoused. To overcome this perceived need in the art, the presentinvention provides a cradle mechanism that enables selectivedisplacement of the target electronic device relative to certainsurfacing of the case or cover construction so that users may make moreeffective use of the electronic device while protecting the electronicdevice with the case or cover construction that incorporates the cradlemechanism according to the present invention.

When received or cradled by the cradle mechanism according to thepresent invention, the electronic device may be rotated to achieve adifferent view of the screen, such as alternatively a portrait typeorientation or a landscape orientation. The cradle mechanism and/or caseor cover construction according to the present invention enables theuser to remove the electronic device from the cradle mechanism and/orcase or cover construction in which it is housed when desired.

The cradle apparatus, mechanism or device according to the presentinvention basically provides a mechanism for simultaneously rotatablyand linearly displacing an electronic device as cradled by the mechanismadjacent surfacing of a case or cover construction. To achieve thisprimary function, the cradle mechanism or device according to thepresent invention preferably comprises a cradle construction sized andshaped to removably receive an electronic device as typified by a tablettype computer.

Each of the cradles or cradle constructions according to the presentinvention comprises a flat centralized region. The centralized regionsof the cradles each preferably comprise an oblong aperture that may bedefined as a Cassinian or Cassinoid type oval. The cradle mechanism ordevice according to the present invention further preferably comprisescertain cradle-to-surface securing means for securing the cradle deviceto the surface.

The cradle-to-surface securing means are preferably attached or anchoredto the surface and are cooperable with the oblong aperture for enablinga user to linearly and rotatably displace the centralized region. Thecradle device or mechanism according to the present invention thusbasically functions to secure the electronic device to the surface in aselect linear and rotative position as determined by the user.

The cradle-to-surface securing means may be preferably exemplified by adisk assembly or anchor-cap assembly. The disk or anchor-cap assemblypreferably comprises a surface-attachment disk or anchor structure, acradle-engagement disk or cap assembly, and certain spacer-attachmentmeans (as exemplified by male axle structure, female axle structure, anda riser structure) for attaching the surface attachment disk to thecradle-engagement disk in parallel relation to one another.

The oblong aperture and cradle-engagement disk preferably furthercomprise certain cooperable locking means for selectively locking thecentralized region 15 in a select rotative position. The cooperablelocking means may be preferably exemplified by comprising a series ofperipherally spaced male and female structures such as projections andnotches, which projections and notches extend radially inwardly.Preferably, the series of peripherally spaced male and female structuresare located or spaced 90 rotational degrees from one another.

The cradle device or mechanism according to the present inventionfurther preferably comprises certain means for receiving and removablyholding an electronic device. In this regard, each of the cradlespreferably comprises at least one device-engaging arm, which arm(s)extend away from the centralized region. A first cradle, for example,shows four arms that extend away from the centralized region in ageneralized X-shape; and a second cradle shows two laterally opposed armassemblies that extend away from the centralized region.

The cradle device or mechanism according to the present invention thuscooperates with a case or cover construction and with an electronicdevice as exemplified by a tablet computer mounted thereon. Theelectronic device may be rotated and secured in a desired position suchas landscape or portrait positions relative to the surface. Otherobjects of the present invention, as well as particular features,elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated or become apparentfrom, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and objectives of my invention will become more evidentfrom a consideration of the following brief description of patentdrawings:

FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a first cradle construction accordingto the present invention attached to a generic case construction via acradle-to-surface anchor assembly.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly as exploded from a generic case construction outfittedwith an identical cradle-to-surface anchor assembly and a genericelectronic device exploded from the first cradle construction.

FIG. 3 is a first sequential anterior plan view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention showing the cradleconstruction in a first extreme linear position relative to anunderlying cradle-to-surface anchor assembly.

FIG. 4 is a second sequential anterior plan view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention showing the cradleconstruction in a second linear position relative to an underlyingcradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the second linear position beingsubstantially equidistant between two possible extreme linear positions.

FIG. 5 is a third sequential anterior plan view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention showing the cradleconstruction in a third linear position relative to an underlyingcradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the third linear position being asecond extreme linear position opposite the first extreme linearposition otherwise shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a fourth sequential anterior plan view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention showing the cradleconstruction in the first extreme linear position relative to anunderlying cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the cradle constructionbeing depicted with a circular arrow to depict rotatability of the firstcradle construction about an axis of rotation extending through thecradle-to-surface anchor assembly.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the first cradleconstruction being rotated 90 degrees about the axis of rotationrelative to the landscape orientation in FIG. 1 to depict a portraitorientation for the first cradle construction.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the first cradleconstruction being rotated 90 degrees about the axis of rotationrelative to the portrait orientation in FIG. 7 to re-depict a landscapeorientation for the first cradle construction, the first cradleconstruction being in the first extreme linear position.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the first cradleconstruction being rotated 90 degrees about the axis of rotationrelative to the portrait orientation in FIG. 7 to re-depict a landscapeorientation for the first cradle construction, the first cradleconstruction being in the second extreme linear position.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged fragmentary anterior depiction of a genericcentralized region of the cradle apparatus according to the presentinvention attached to a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according tothe present invention, the centralized region being shown in the firstextreme linear position.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged fragmentary anterior depiction of a genericcentralized region of the cradle apparatus according to the presentinvention attached to a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according tothe present invention, the centralized region being shown in the secondextreme linear position.

FIG. 10C is an enlarged fragmentary anterior depiction of a genericcentralized region of the cradle apparatus according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 10D is an enlarged fragmentary posterior depiction of a genericcentralized region of the cradle apparatus according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view depiction of the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly according to the present invention shown attached to afragmentary generic centralized region of the cradle apparatus accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded anterior top perspective view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention as exploded from acradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a rear or posterior elevational view of the first cradleconstruction attached to the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly accordingto the present invention, which cradle construction is retaining ageneric electronic device.

FIG. 14 is a front or anterior elevational view of the first cradleconstruction attached to the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly accordingto the present invention, which cradle construction is retaining ageneric electronic device.

FIG. 15 is an anterior top perspective view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention attached to thecradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention,the first cradle construction being shown in the first extreme linearposition.

FIG. 16 is an anterior top perspective view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention attached to thecradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention,the first cradle construction being shown in the second extreme linearposition.

FIG. 17 is an anterior elevational view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly according to the present invention, the first cradleconstruction being shown in the first extreme linear position.

FIG. 18 is an edge view of the first cradle construction according tothe present invention attached to the cradle-to-surface anchor assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a posterior elevational view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly according to the present invention, the first cradleconstruction being shown in the first extreme linear position.

FIG. 20 is an anterior elevational view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly according to the present invention, the first cradleconstruction being shown in the second extreme linear position.

FIG. 21 is a posterior elevational view of the first cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly according to the present invention, the first cradleconstruction being shown in the second extreme linear position.

FIG. 22 is an exploded rear or posterior view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention as exploded from acradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an exploded front or anterior view of the first cradleconstruction according to the present invention as exploded from acradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a front or anterior view of the cradle-engagement diskconstruction of the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is an edge view of the cradle-engagement disk construction ofthe cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 26 is a rear or posterior view of the cradle-engagement diskconstruction of the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 is a front or anterior perspective view of the cradle-engagementdisk construction of the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according tothe present invention.

FIG. 28 is a rear or posterior perspective view of the cradle-engagementdisk construction of the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according tothe present invention.

FIG. 29 is a front or anterior view of the anchor disk construction ofthe cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 30 is an edge view of the anchor disk construction of thecradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a rear or posterior view of the anchor disk construction ofthe cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 32 is a front or anterior perspective view of the anchor diskconstruction of the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 33 is a rear or posterior perspective view of the anchor diskconstruction of the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 34 is a front or anterior view of the cradle-to-surface anchorassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is an edge view of the cradle-to-surface anchor assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a rear or posterior view of the cradle-to-surface anchorassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a front or anterior perspective view of the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a rear or posterior perspective view of the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 39 is top perspective view of a second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly with a genericelectronic device exploded therefrom.

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the second cradleconstruction being shown in a first extreme linear position.

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the second cradleconstruction being shown in a second extreme linear position.

FIG. 42 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, and retaining ageneric electronic device in the first extreme linear position.

FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, and retaining ageneric electronic device in the second extreme linear position.

FIG. 44 is an enlarged top perspective view of the second cradleconstruction according to the present invention as otherwise shown inFIG. 40.

FIG. 45 is an anterior elevational view of the centralized region of thesecond cradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 46 is an edge view of the centralized region of the second cradleconstruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a posterior elevational view of the centralized region of thesecond cradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly in the second extreme linear position.

FIG. 49 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to the cradle-to-surfaceanchor assembly in the first extreme linear position.

FIG. 50 is an anterior elevational view of the second cradleconstruction according to the present invention attached to thecradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention,the second cradle construction being shown in the first extreme linearposition.

FIG. 51 is an edge view of the second cradle construction according tothe present invention attached to the cradle-to-surface anchor assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a posterior elevational view of the second cradleconstruction according to the present invention attached to thecradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention,the first cradle construction being shown in the second extreme linearposition.

FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction via a cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the second cradleconstruction being shown rotated 90 degrees about an axis of rotationextending through the cradle-to-surface anchor assembly, the secondcradle construction being rotated relative to the landscape orientationshown in FIG. 40 to depict a portrait orientation.

FIG. 54 is a top perspective view of the second cradle constructionaccording to the present invention attached to a generic caseconstruction and retaining a generic electronic device in the portraitorientation.

FIG. 55 is a first edge view of a hook construction from the secondcradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a second edge view of a hook construction from the secondcradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a first end view of a hook construction from the secondcradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a second end view of a hook construction from the secondcradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 59 is a first perspective view of a hook construction from thesecond cradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 60 is a second perspective view of a hook construction from thesecond cradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 61 is an anterior view of a hook construction from the secondcradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 62 is a posterior view of a hook construction from the secondcradle construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the second cradleconstruction according to the present invention as exploded from thecradle-to-surface anchor assembly according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the presentinvention preferably provides a cradle mechanism or device that iscooperable with a case or cover construction for both linearlydisplacing and rotatably displacing an electronic device that is cradledor received by the cradle mechanism. In other words, the presentinvention contemplates a case or cover construction having a cradlemechanism cooperatively associated therewith. The case or coverconstruction is designed to encase an electronic device such as a tabletcomputer as received and cradled by the cradle mechanism. The cradlemechanism enables the user to rotate and linearly displace the cradledelectronic device relative to certain surfacing of the case or coverconstruction.

Electronic devices such as tablet computers very often comprise featuresthat require the user to position the electronic device, which featuresmay be obscured by the case or cover construction in which they arehoused. To overcome this perceived need in the art, the presentinvention provides a cradle mechanism that enables selectivedisplacement of the target electronic device relative to certainsurfacing of the case or cover construction so that users may make moreeffective use of the electronic device while protecting the electronicdevice with the case or cover construction that incorporates the cradlemechanism according to the present invention.

When received or cradled by the cradle mechanism according to thepresent invention, the electronic device may be rotated to achieve adifferent view of the screen, such as alternatively a portrait typeorientation or a landscape orientation. The cradle mechanism and/or caseor cover construction according to the present invention further enablesthe user to easily remove the electronic device from the cradlemechanism and/or case or cover construction in which it is housed whendesired.

Some examples of the type of electronic device that may be used incombination with the present invention include any electronic devicefrom the series of IPAD® brand tablet computers. IPAD® is a UnitedStates Registered Trademark of Apple Inc., a Corporation incorporatedunder the laws of the State of California, 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino,Calif. 95014. The present invention further contemplates being used incombination with a MOTOROLA XOOM® brand tablet computer. MOTOROLA XOOM®is a United States Registered Trademark of Motorola Trademark Holdings,a Limited Liability Company incorporated under the laws of the State ofDelaware, 600 N. U.S. Highway 45, Libertyville, Ill. 60048.

Further examples of the type of electronic device(s) usable inconnection with the present invention include a KINDLE® brand e-bookreader device. KINDLE® is a United States Registered Trademark of AmazonTechnologies, Inc., a Corporation organized under the laws of the Stateof Nevada, P.O. Box 8102, Reno, Nev. 89507. The electronic device mayalso be a NOOK® brand e-book reader device. NOOK® is a United StatesRegistered Trademark of Fission LLC, a Limited Liability Companyorganized under the laws of the State of Delaware, 122 Fifth Avenue, NewYork, N.Y. 10011.

The reader will thus note that the type of electronic device that may beused in combination with the present invention may be any hand-heldcomputing device, media reader, tablet computer, or portable electronicdevice for receiving and reading text, images, or other audio visualmedia.

The cradle apparatus, mechanism or device according to the presentinvention basically provides a mechanism for simultaneously rotatablyand linearly displacing an electronic device (as at 12) as cradled bythe mechanism adjacent a select cradle-receiving surface as at 14 of acase or cover construction as generically depicted and referenced at 13.To achieve this primary function, the cradle mechanism or deviceaccording to the present invention preferably comprises a cradleconstruction as alternatively depicted at cradle 10 and/or cradle 11,which cradle(s) 10 and/or 11 are sized and shaped to removably receivean electronic device 12 as generally depicted in FIGS. 2, 13, 14, 39,42, 43, and 54.

Each of the cradles 10 and 11 preferably and generically comprise asubstantially flat centralized region as at 15. The centralized regions15 of the cradles 10 and 11 each preferably comprise an oblong aperture16 that may be defined as a Cassinian or Cassinoid type oval. ACassinian or Cassinoid oval or curve is basically an oblong aperturehaving two rounded, or semicircular opposite ends joined by parallelsides as generally depicted in the illustrations in support of thesespecifications.

Stated more mathematically, given two foci as at F₁ (e.g. 0, −1) and F₂(e.g. 0, 1), one can distinguish two polar coordinates, with respect toeach of the foci F₁ and F₂. The curve for which the product of these twopolar radii is a constant is the Cassinian oval. The curve can begeneralized to the Cassinian curve. For the curve, the product ofdistances to the two focal points is a constant. A Cassinian curve is abicircular quartic and an anallagmatic curve. In polar coordinates, thecurve is written as: r²=2 cos 2θ+((a−1)/(r²)). The value of the variablenamed “a” determines the form of the Cassinian oval formed by the curve.For example, for “a”>1, a single curve is defined; for “a”<1, twoegg-shaped forms are defined.

For “a”<2, the Cassinoid oval or curve is squeezed in the middle, andfor “a”>2, the curve goes towards a circle. For “a”=2, or r²=2 cos2θ+((1)/(r²)), the curve approximates an oblong aperture comprising alongitudinal axis as at 100, a lateral axis as at 101, longitudinallyopposed semicircular termini as at 102, and laterally opposed parallelsides as at 103, somewhat akin to a capsule-shaped pill. The oblongaperture 16 formed in the centralized region 15 according to the presentinvention approximates a Cassinoid oval where “a”=2. The longitudinalaxis 101 of the oblong aperture 16 thus preferably comprises opposedsemicircular foci as at F₁ and F₂, which foci F₁ and F₂ are joined by aline segment 17. Together, the foci F₁ and F₂ and line segment 17 definea cradle displacement zone segment along which the centralized region 15may be both rotatably and linearly displaced.

Comparatively referencing FIGS. 10A and 10B, for example, the readerwill note a first region position as depicted in FIG. 10A wherein thecentralized region 15 has been displaced in a first direction as at 104such that the disk assembly plane 105 extends through focus F₁. A secondregion position is depicted in FIG. 10B wherein the centralized region15 has been displaced in a second direction as at 106 such that the diskassembly plane 105 extends through focus F₂. The first and second regionpositions shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B represent the two extreme lineardisplacement positions. The centralized region 15 is also rotatableabout all points along the cradle displacement zone segment.

Referencing FIG. 3 versus 5, the reader will see the cradle 10 linearlydisplaced between the first and second extreme linear positionsdescribed hereinabove. Referencing FIG. 4, the reader will see thecradle 10 displaced substantially equidistant intermediate the first andsecond extreme linear positions with a bi-directional arrow 107depicting possible directions for linear displacement. Finally,referencing FIG. 6, the cradle 10 is depicted as being rotatable as atarrow 108 about an axis (or axes) of rotation (as generically depictedat 110).

The cradle mechanism or device according to the present inventionfurther preferably comprises certain cradle-to-surface securing meansfor securing the cradle device to the select surface as at 14. Thecradle-to-surface securing means are preferably attached or anchored tothe surface 14 and are cooperable with the oblong aperture 16 forenabling a user to linearly and rotatably displace the centralizedregion 15 along the cradle displacement zone segment. The cradle deviceor mechanism according to the present invention thus basically functionsto secure the electronic device 12 to the select surface 14 in a selectlinear and rotative positions as determined by the user.

The cradle-to-surface securing means may be preferably exemplified by adisk assembly or anchor-cap assembly as at 20. The disk or anchor-capassembly 20 preferably comprises a surface-attachment disk or anchorstructure as at 21, a cradle-engagement disk or cap assembly as at 22,and certain spacer-attachment means (as exemplified by male axlestructure 23A, female axle structure 23B, and a riser structure 24) forattaching the surface attachment disk 21 to the cradle-engagement disk22 in parallel relation to one another.

Male axle structure 23A is insertable into female axle structure 23B tojoin the cap portion (cradle-engagement disk 22 and male axle structure23A) of the assembly 20 to the anchor portion (anchor structure 21,riser structure 24, and female axle structure 23B) of the assembly 20.In a preferred embodiment the male and female axle structures 23A and23B are irremovably attached to one another when the cradle(s) 10 and/or11 are attached to the surface 14 so that the cradle(s) 10 and/or 11 areirremovable from the select surface 14 of the case or cover construction13.

The reader will note that the cradle-engagement disk 22 preferablycomprises a disk diameter as at 109, and the semicircular termini eachcomprise a uniform terminal diameter as at 111, which diameter 111 issubstantially equivalent to the orthogonal distance between parallelsides 103. The disk diameter 109 is preferably lesser in magnitude thanthe terminal diameter(s) 111 for enabling linear and rotatabledisplacement of the centralized region 15 along the cradle displacementzone segment.

The oblong aperture 16 and cradle-engagement disk 21 preferably furthercomprise certain cooperable locking means for selectively locking thecentralized region 15 in a select rotative position. The cooperablelocking means may be preferably exemplified by comprising a series ofperipherally spaced male and female structures such as tabs orprojections 25 and notches 26, which projections 25 and notches 26extend radially inwardly toward the foci F₁ and F₂ as generally depictedin the various figures. Preferably, the series of peripherally spacedmale and female structures are located or spaced 90 rotational degreesfrom one another.

The centralized region 15 or oblong aperture 16 preferably furthercomprises a cradle-guide flange as at 27. The cradle-guide flange 27extends inwardly intermediate the cradle-engagement disk 21 and thesurface-attachment disk 22 in lateral adjacency to the spacer means asexemplified by the axle structures 23A and 23B for guiding thecentralized region 15 when being displaced along the cradle displacementzone segment. Stated another way, the centralized region 15 preferablycomprises a recessed material construction as at 27 that functions todisplaceably receive the cradle-engagement disk 21 such that thecradle-engagement disk 21 is guided by the effective channel that therecessed material construction 27 provides.

The recessed material construction and/or flange 27 is preferably offsetfrom the upper device-opposing surface 28 of the centralized region 15so that the centralized region 15 and the cradle-engagement disk 21 arebasically coplanar. In other words, the centralized region 15 preferablycomprises a device-opposing surface as at 28, and the cradle-engagementdisk 21 preferably comprises an upper disk surface as at 29. Thecradle-guide flange or recessed material construction 27 is parallel tothe device-opposing surface 28 and upper disk surface 29 for renderingflush (or coplanar) the device-opposing surface 28 and upper disksurface 29 as perhaps best seen in FIG. 11.

The cradle device or mechanism according to the present inventionfurther preferably comprises certain means for receiving and removablyholding an electronic device 12. In this regard, each of the cradles 10and/or 11 preferably comprises at least one device-engaging arm or armassembly, which arm structure(s) extend away from the centralized region15. Cradle 10, for example, shows four arms as at 30 that extend awayfrom the centralized region 15 in a generalized X-shape; and cradle 11shows two laterally opposed arm assemblies as at 31 that laterallyextend away from the centralized region 15.

The arms 30 each preferably comprise J-shaped tips 33 that arepreferably structurally oriented to engage the corners 32 of anelectronic device 12 so as to secure the electronic device 12 to thecradle 10. By contrast, the cradle 11 comprises laterally opposed armassemblies 31 each of which preferably comprise an elasticallydeformable arm portion 34 and a hook construction 35, which hookconstruction 35 has been made the subject of U.S. Design patentapplication No. 29/464,386, filed in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice on 15 Aug. 2013.

The elastically deformable or adjustable arm portions 35 are preferablydefined by elastic straps that enable the user to elastically deform thearm portions 35 of the arm assemblies 31 for receiving and removablyretaining laterally opposed portions 37 of variously sized electronicdevice(s) 12 via the hook constructions 36. The arm portions 35 attachto the centralized region 50 of cradle 11 via strap-receiving apertures38. The hook constructions 36 also comprise strap-receiving slots orapertures as at 39 for receiving an opposed end of the looped strap armportions 35.

The cradle device or mechanism according to the present invention thuscooperates with a case or cover construction as at 13 and with anelectronic device 12 as exemplified by a tablet computer mountedthereon. The electronic device 12 may be rotated and secured in adesired position such as landscape position relative to the surface 14as generally depicted in FIGS. 8, 9, 13, and 14; or a portrait positionrelative to the surface 14 as generally depicted in FIG. 7. The cradledevice or mechanism according to the present invention thus comprises incombination a cradle as at 10 and/or 11 with a cooperating disk oranchor-cap assembly as at 20.

The disk or anchor-cap assembly 20 is secured to the case or coverconstruction 13 in a suitable manner such as by stitched attachment,adhesive attachment, a hook and loop fastener type attachment, or anyother suitable attachment mechanism or product. The cradles as at 10 and11 receive an electronic device 12 and cooperate with the disk oranchor-cap assembly 20 to secure the electronic device 12 in a desiredposition.

Noting that the centralized region 15 preferably comprises locking tabsor protrusions 25 and the cradle-engagement disk 21 preferably comprisesa series of notches 26, the electronic device 12, when received by thearms 30 or arm assemblies 31, may be rotated around thecradle-engagement disk 21 and the locking tabs or protrusions 25 may bealigned with the corresponding and select notches 26. When the desiredrotatable position is achieved, the locking tabs 25 cooperate withnotches 26 to selectively lock the cradle(s) 10 and/or 11 in place.

The oblong aperture 16 may be viewed as a recessed material construction27 within the cradle surface 28. The recessed aperture 16 allows thecradle-engagement disk 21 to be inserted within the aperture 16. Oncemounted, the surface 29 of the cradle-engagement disk 21 is preferablyeven or flush with the cradle surface 28. Thus, the electronic device 12or tablet computer may lay flat against the cradles 10 or 11 whenremovably received thereby.

While the above descriptions contain much specificity, this specificityshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of the invention. For example, wheneverpossible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in thedrawings and the specifications to refer to the same or like parts orsteps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale.

For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such astop, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, andfront, may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar todirectional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of theinvention in any manner. The words attach, connect, couple, and similarterms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote director intermediate connections, but may also include connections throughmediate elements or devices.

The basic invention may be said to essentially teach or disclose acradle device for attaching an electronic device to a select surface ina desired position. The cradle device according to the present inventionis believed to essentially comprise a cradle sized and shaped toremovably receive an electronic device, and certain cradle-to-surfacesecuring means.

The cradle portion preferably comprises a flat centralized region, whichcentralized region comprises an oblong aperture. The oblong aperturecomprises a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, longitudinally opposedsemi-circular termini, and laterally opposed parallel sides. Thelongitudinal axis comprises opposed semicircular foci, which foci arejoined by a line segment. Together, the foci and line segment define acradle displacement segment.

The cradle-to-surface securing means basically function to secure thecradle device to a select surface, as exemplified by a surface of a caseor cover construction. The cradle-to-surface securing means are attachedto the surface and are cooperable with the oblong aperture for enablinga user to linearly and rotatably displace the centralized region alongthe cradle displacement segment. The cradle device according to thepresent invention thus functions to secure the electronic device to thesurface in a select linear and rotative position.

In addition to the foregoing structural considerations, it is furtherbelieved that the inventive concepts discussed support certain newmethodologies and/or processes. In this regard, it is contemplated thatthe foregoing structural considerations support a method for displacingan electronic device relative to select surfacing so as to place theelectronic device in a select orientation relative to the selectsurfacing.

The method may be said to preferably comprise the steps of anchoring ananchor-cap assembly to a select surface, which select surface maypreferably be an inside surface of a device-holding case construction. Acradle construction may then be cooperatively associated with theanchor-cap assembly such that the anchor-cap assembly enables both toand fro linear displacements and rotatable displacements of the cradleconstruction relative to the select surface. The cradle constructionbasically functions as a device-to-surface interface such that when anelectronic device is received and removably retained by the cradleconstruction, the electronic device may be displaced both linearly androtatably relative to the select surface via the cradle construction andanchor-cap assembly.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to anumber of embodiments and certain methodology, it is not intended thatthe novel device or cradle apparatus be limited thereby, but thatmodifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within thebroad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the followingclaims, and the appended drawings.

I claim:
 1. A case construction for encasing an electronic device andenabling a user to rotatably and linearly displace the electronic devicerelative to a select surface of the case construction, the caseconstruction comprising, in combination: a case, the case comprising acradle-receiving surface; a cradle sized and shaped to removably receivean electronic device, the cradle comprising a centralized region, thecentralized region comprising an oblong aperture, the oblong aperturecomprising a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, longitudinally opposedtermini, and laterally opposed parallel sides, the longitudinal axiscomprising opposed foci, the foci being joined by a line segment, thefoci and line segment together defining a cradle displacement zonesegment; and cradle-to-surface securing means for securing the cradle tothe cradle-receiving surface, the cradle-to-surface securing means beingattached to the cradle-receiving surface and being cooperable with theoblong aperture for enabling a user to linearly and rotatably displacethe centralized region along the cradle displacement zone segment, thecradle-to-surface securing means comprising a disk assembly, the diskassembly comprising a surface-attachment disk, a cradle-engagement disk,and spacer-attachment means for attaching the surface attachment disk tothe cradle-engagement disk in parallel relation, the oblong aperturecomprising a cradle-guide flange, the cradle-guide flange extendinginwardly intermediate the cradle-engagement disk and thesurface-attachment disk for guiding the centralized region when beingdisplaced along the cradle displacement zone segment, the centralizedregion comprising a device-opposing surface, the cradle-engagement diskcomprising an upper disk surface, the cradle-guide flange being parallelto the device-opposing and entire upper disk surfacing for renderingflush the device-opposing and entire upper disk surfacing, the oblongaperture and cradle-engagement disk comprising cooperable locking meansfor selectively locking the centralized region in a select rotativeposition, the cooperable locking means comprising a series ofperipherally spaced male and female structures, the peripherally spacedmale and female structures extending radially inwardly relative to acenter of the cradle engagement disk when selectively locked.
 2. Thecase construction of claim 1 wherein the peripherally spaced male andfemale structures are spaced 90 rotational degrees from one another. 3.The case construction of claim 1 wherein the cradle comprises at leastone device-engaging arm extending away from the centralized region.
 4. Acradle apparatus for attaching an electronic device to a select surfacein a desired position, the cradle apparatus comprising: a cradle sizedand shaped to removably receive an electronic device, the cradlecomprising a centralized region, the centralized region comprising anoblong aperture, the oblong aperture defining a cradle displacement zonesegment; and cradle-to-surface securing means for securing the cradleapparatus to the select surface, the cradle-to-surface securing meansbeing attached to the select surface and being cooperable with theoblong aperture for enabling a user to linearly and rotatably displacethe centralized region along the cradle displacement zone segment, thecradle apparatus thus for securing the electronic device to the selectsurface in a select linear and rotative position, the cradle-to-surfacesecuring means comprising an anchor-cap assembly, the anchor-capassembly comprising a lower anchor structure, an upper cradle-engagementcap, and spacer-attachment means for attaching the lower anchorstructure to the upper cradle-engagement cap in parallel relation to oneanother, the oblong aperture comprising a cradle-guide flange, thecradle-guide flange extending inwardly intermediate thecradle-engagement cap and the anchor structure for guiding thecentralized region when being displaced along the cradle displacementzone segment, the centralized region comprising a device-opposingsurface, the cradle-engagement cap comprising an upper cap surface, thecradle-guide flange being parallel to the device-opposing and entireupper cap surface for rendering flush the device-opposing and entireupper cap surfacing, the oblong aperture and cradle-to-surface securingmeans comprise cooperable locking means for selectively locking thecentralized region in a select rotative position, the cooperable lockingmeans comprising a series of peripherally spaced male and femalestructures, the peripherally spaced male and female structures extendingradially inwardly relative to a center of the cradle-to-surface securingmeans when selectively locked.
 5. The cradle apparatus of claim 4wherein the peripherally spaced male and female structures are spaced 90rotational degrees from one another.
 6. The cradle apparatus of claim 4wherein the cradle comprises at least one device-engaging arm extendingaway from the centralized region.
 7. A cradle apparatus for attaching anelectronic device to a select surface in a desired position, the cradleapparatus comprising: a cradle sized and shaped to removably receive anelectronic device, the cradle comprising a centralized region and anoblong aperture; and cradle-to-surface securing means for securing thecradle apparatus to the select surface, the cradle-to-surface securingmeans being attached to the select surface and being cooperable with thecradle for enabling a user to linearly and rotatably displace the cradlerelative to the select surface, the cradle apparatus thus for securingthe electronic device to the select surface in a select linear androtative position, the cradle-to-surface securing means comprising ananchor assembly, the anchor assembly and selective locking means forselectively locking the cradle in a select rotative position relative tothe select surface comprising a lower anchor structure, an uppercradle-engagement cap, and spacer-attachment means for attaching thelower anchor structure to the upper cradle-engagement cap in parallelrelation to one another, the oblong aperture comprising a cradle-guideflange, the cradle-guide flange extending inwardly intermediate thecradle-engagement cap and the anchor structure for guiding the cradlewhen being displaced, the centralized region comprising adevice-opposing surface, the cradle-engagement cap comprising an uppercap surface, the cradle-guide flange being parallel to thedevice-opposing and entire upper cap surfacing for rendering flush thedevice-opposing and entire upper cap surfacing, the selective lockingmeans comprising a series of peripherally spaced male and femalestructures, the peripherally spaced male and female structures extendingradially inwardly relative to a center of the anchor assembly whenselectively locked.
 8. The cradle apparatus of claim 7 wherein theperipherally spaced male and female structures are spaced 90 rotationaldegrees from one another.
 9. A method for displacing an electronicdevice relative to select surfacing so as to position the electronicdevice in a select orientation relative to the select surfacing, themethod comprising the steps of: providing an anchor-cap assembly, theanchor-cap assembly comprising a lower anchor structure, an uppercradle-engagement cap, and spacer-attachment means for attaching thelower anchor structure to the upper cradle-engagement cap in parallelrelation to one another, anchoring the anchor-cap assembly to a selectsurface; cooperatively associating the anchor-cap assembly with a cradleconstruction, the cradle construction comprising a centralized regionand an oblong aperture, the oblong aperture comprising a cradle-guideflange, the cradle-guide flange extending inwardly intermediate thecradle-engagement cap and the anchor structure for guiding the cradleconstruction when being displaced, the centralized region comprising adevice-opposing surface, the cradle-engagement cap comprising an uppercap surface, the cradle-guide flange being parallel to thedevice-opposing and entire upper cap surfacing for rendering flush thedevice-opposing and entire upper cap surfacing, the cooperativelyassociated anchor-cap assembly and cradle construction enabling bothlinear and rotatable displacements of the cradle construction relativeto the select surface; retaining an electronic device via the cradleconstruction, the electronic device thus being displaceable bothlinearly and rotatably relative to the select surface via the cradleconstruction and anchor-cap assembly and selectively locking the cradlein a select rotative position relative to the select surface viaselective locking means, the selective locking means comprising a seriesof peripherally spaced male and female structures, the peripherallyspaced male and female structures extending radially inwardly relativeto a center of the anchor-cap assembly when selectively locked.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 wherein the peripherally spaced male and femalestructures are spaced 90 rotational degrees from one another.